"Falling in Love With Egypt". Past Review

By Kelsey L (Linguistics., Baylor University) for

Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It is good to be quiet and observe, being a good listener is very helpful. Dress modestly and behave in the same manner. I learned a lot about the Muslim Religion and their customs. My experience in Egypt was wonderful, everything I could have hoped for. I truly wish the University did not find it necessary to keep closing for the Swine Flu concerns as I feel as though I missed out on a lot as our study time was cut quite short. My heart has been in the Middle East for a few years so my future plans were not altered that much but I do want to return to Egypt and my experience there intensified that desire. I would return now for another opportunity to study abroad if I were not a senior.

Review Photos

Study Abroad in Egypt at the American University in Cairo Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The classes were challenging yet not as difficult as my classes at Baylor University.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	My expectations were met mainly because I lived in downtown Cairo and got to experience daily life. I became sick there and and the administration took me to the hospital. It was easy to get things finished but it is not easy to get around in the city of Cairo. The university helped us become acquainted with Cairo and organized many trips throughout the country. The program size was perfect not overwhelming. I had a wonderful experience except for being sick and in the hospital.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Our housing was a dorm at the old American University of Egypt in downtown Cairo. I lived with Americans and foreign students, many Muslim students. The dorm was outfitted with linens and towels, they also had a laundry service for us and housekeeping. I did not need to buy anything to live comfortably in the dorms.
* Food:	The food at the dorm was not very healthy, high carbohydrates. The food in the city however could be very good if you knew where to go.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The trip to the Red Sea and Dahab was spectacular. We also went to the pyramids and to Alexandria; both of these trips were also great!!!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I felt very safe in Egypt, they have a very low crime rate. I had to be hospitalized while I was in Egypt. I believe I arrived there with the flu and became dehydrated. The RA took good care of me and the hospital was good. My only complaint is that they did not tell anyone where they were taking me. My mother was a bit concerned not being able to find me and it did frighten me.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget? (1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	The classes were good and would have been very beneficial if the University had not been closed many times for Swine Flu.